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FAQ'S

International

Domestic 

 

 

International

 

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE COST OF MY INTERNATIONAL TRIP?

We try to minimize your in-country expenses on international trips. The following are general guidelines of services included in your land costs:*

  •  All scheduled restaurant meals
  • Camping expenses
  • Scheduled hotel accommodations
  • Staff and guide services
  • All group gear
  • In-country airport transfers
  • All scheduled activities (museum visits, city tours, etc.)
  • Porter support (with the exception of Aconcagua)  

 

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE COST OF MY INTERNATIONAL TRIP?

  • International airfare
  • Unscheduled restaurant meals
  • Unscheduled hotel nights
  • Items of personal nature (phone calls, laundry, room service, etc.)
  • Guide/staff gratuities

* All prices subject to change and some inclusions and exclusions may vary from one trip to another.

 

ARE MY SERVICES DIFFERENT ON A PRIVATE CLIMB THAN ON A REGULAR CLIMB?

In some cases, yes. The costs for a private climb may include professional guiding services only. In that case, all food, equipment, transportation and personal items are not included in the trip cost. 

 

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

A complete clothing and equipment list specific to your trip will be sent to you in a pre-departure packet. Every year, after assessing feedback from our clients and guides, we review and update our lists so they are as complete and up-to-date as possible. Every list has a description of each item, however feel free to call us if you have questions or need help locating any of the items on the list. It is extremely important that you adhere strictly to the equipment list. 

 

WILL MY INTERNATIONAL TRIP HAVE AN EQUIPMENT CHECK?

Typically, we don’t have equipment checks for international trips, and you can’t count on finding an outdoor supplier in-country during the days just before a trip begins. Therefore, it’s extremely important you follow the equipment list guidelines and bring every item on the list. If you have any questions concerning any of the items mentioned in the equipment list, please contact us. 

 

CAN I RENT MY GEAR THROUGH MOUNTAIN MADNESS?

Currently we do not rent equipment for our international trips. We may be able to procure some items in the country of destination. Call us for specific information regarding your trip. 

 

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A FULLY SUPPORTED TREK OR CLIMB AND A PORTER SUPPORTED TREK OR CLIMB?

On a fully supported trek or climb, you are responsible for carrying only a daypack. All group gear and equipment, including food, fuel and tents, will be transported for you. Clothing and personal equipment are the responsibility of each participant. On certain trips additional porters may be available at an additional cost. 

 

HOW HEAVY WILL MY PACK BE?

A typical daypack on a fully supported trek or climb contains snacks, camera, water and extra clothing and weighs between 15-25 lbs. On porter-supported mountaineering trips, additional cold weather clothes and miscellaneous climbing equipment may increase your load to 20-35 lbs. For unsupported mountaineering trips, climbers will be expected to carry between 40-65 lbs. 

 

IS IT POSSIBLE TO HIRE A PERSONAL PORTER?

Yes, we can arrange to hire a personal porter for your pack. The cost of this service is not included in your land costs. 

 

IS IT POSSIBLE FOR ME TO STORE EXTRA GEAR AND CLOTHING THAT I WILL NOT NEED?

In most cases, yes. Usually you can store extra gear and clothing at your hotel. There may be a small charge, but typically it is free. Call Mountain Madness for details regarding your trip. 

 

WHAT KIND OF LODGING CAN I EXPECT?

 

Hotels

Most of our international trips feature first class accommodations in larger cities and towns. Generally, these hotels offer amenities like room service, laundry, etc. We try to find accommodations close to local points of interest, unique shops and colorful markets.

 

Camping

On our treks and climbs we camp "Mountain Madness style. " Our mountaineering courses and smaller scale expeditions are set up to allow for maximum group participation, which allows for additional learning opportunities. On some of our Asia and Africa treks, however, hospitality sometimes trumps participation, and we may deliver hot tea to the foot of your tent. On many of our fully supported treks and climbs, tents will generally be set up for you before you arrive at camp.

 

Huts

Huts are yet another form of accommodation utilized on many of our trips, including Ecuador, Elbrus, and the Alps. Most of the huts are bunk style and have a common eating area. Some of the more deluxe huts have heat, electricity and separate rooms. 

 

CAN I REQUEST SINGLE ACCOMMODATIONS?

All accommodations are based on double or triple occupancy. If you are traveling solo and wish to share accommodations, we will pair you with another traveler. If you prefer single accommodations, we will do our best to arrange it, however, there are some situations where it may not be possible. If you request single accommodations or a roommate cannot be assigned, you will be responsible for paying the single supplement fee listed on the application. 

 

HOW PHYSICALLY FIT DO I HAVE TO BE TO PARTICIPATE ON A MOUNTAIN MADNESS TRIP?

Most of our trips are physically demanding, and your ability to enjoy the adventure depends on your health and fitness. Your trip will be more rewarding if you prepare for it by conditioning properly well in advance. We believe that the best form of training is simulating the activity you are training for, and then increasing the level of exertion as the routine becomes easier.

For example, walking up hills and stair climbing are excellent ways to condition your lower body, heart and lungs for climbing. Begin slowly, without the weight of a pack, and eventually add weight as you increase your training pace. Then begin taking longer hikes several times a week with a weighted pack. Use water containers for uphill hikes, then empty the contents for the descent to reduce knee stress. Supplement these workouts with running, swimming, bicycling, or other forms of aerobic activity. Additionally, we highly recommend that you incorporate a weight training regime into your training program to build upper-body strength.

Begin your daily training several months prior to your trip. If you have questions, contact Mountain Madness to discuss how best to help you prepare for your trek, course, or climb. 

 

ARE MOUNTAIN MADNESS TRIPS RATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THEIR LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY?

Yes. Here’s how we rate our treks and climbs:


Expedition Rating System
 
  • Beginner: no previous mountaineering skills required
  • Advanced Beginner: basic mountaineering skills recommended including self-arrest, cramponing, ice axe use, rope and glacier travel experience
  • Intermediate: basic mountaineering skills recommended in addition to experience on technical terrain consisting of 40-50 degree snow/ice slopes.
  • Advanced Intermediate: intermediate mountaineering skills recommended and proven experience on technical terrain and high altitudes to 20,000 feet.
  • Advanced: intermediate/advanced mountaineering skills recommended in addition to experience on technical terrain, including rock and ice climbing and ascents over 20,000 feet.

 

Here’s how we rate our porter supported treks:
 
  • Easy: flat terrain.
  • Moderate: varied terrain with elevation gains up to 2,000 feet, 4-6 hours of hiking a day.
  • Moderate/Strenuous: steeper terrain with elevation gains up to 3,000 feet, 5-7 hours of hiking a day.
  • Strenuous: steep terrain, occasional elevation gains of more than 3,000 feet at higher altitudes, 6-8 hours of hiking a day. 

 

DOES MOUNTAIN MADNESS CUSTOMIZE TRIPS?

Mountain Madness loves to customize personal trips -- for you, your friends, or organization. Our published land costs are typically based on 5-10 individuals, so the number in your party may affect your land costs. We require a $100 non-refundable deposit for custom trip planning, which will be applied towards your trip cost at the time of reservation. Just give us a call and let us know what you're interested in, and we'll do our best to Make It Happen. For further information visit the International Custum Trips page.

 

DOES MOUNTAIN MADNESS OFFER FAMILY TRIPS?

Yes. See Family Trips page and or call our office for details, 1-800-328-5925. 

 

I'D LIKE TO TRAVEL WITH MY SON/DAUGHTER. IS THERE A MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENT?

No, however, we’d like to talk with you about the trip you are interested in and whether it’s right for someone under age 18. 

 

WHAT DAY DO I NEED TO ARRIVE?

If you are traveling from the U.S. and taking one of our international trips, you should plan to depart on the first day of the dates we’ve published for the trip and return on the last day we’ve published.

For example, if you were departing from the US and the published dates were October 28 to November 17, you should plan to depart the US on October 28th and schedule your return flight for November 17th. If your country of origin is not the U.S., call us and we’ll help you plan your travel days. 

 

WHAT IF I WANT TO ARRIVE EARLIER OR DEPART LATER THAN THE TRIP DATES?

Mountain Madness is happy to help you arrange accommodations before and after your trip. Our area directors can recommend side excursions and restaurants for the extra time. 

 

WHO WILL BE PICKING ME UP AND WHERE?

A Mountain Madness guide or representative will pick you up at the airport on the scheduled arrival date. We can help you arrange accommodations if you arrive earlier, and we are happy to make suggestions for transportation, restaurants and sightseeing. For easy identification, consider wearing your Mountain Madness T-shirt or hat. 

 

WHO WILL MY GUIDES BE?

All of our guides are highly skilled professionals who have been selected based on their technical proficiency, proven safety records, careful judgment, patient and supportive teaching styles and great personalities. At a minimum, all of our guides hold current Wilderness First Responder certification and are proficient in technical rescue and evacuation skills. Dedicated to the world of alpinism, many of our guides have logged first ascents and successful summits on major peaks from the Cascades to Everest. In addition to their broad scope of personal achievements out in the field, many Mountain Madness guides have educational backgrounds in natural history, cultural anthropology, and language studies that will enhance your overall experience. 

 

SHOULD I TIP MY GUIDES?

Tipping is always a personal choice, but is greatly appreciated by your guides. Check your departure packet for details. If you decide to tip your American guide (and avoid carrying extra cash), you might consider bringing a blank check that can be made out to Mountain Madness. 

 

WHAT KIND OF FOOD IS EATEN ON A TRIP?
CAN YOU ACCOMMODATE A VEGETARIAN DIET?

All of the meals served on Mountain Madness trips are a combination of the best local and regional fares along with some specialty items brought from the US. Your guide or your personal cooks are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions. In major towns, our groups usually sample regional dishes in the local restaurants. 

 

WHAT IF SOMEONE ON MY ROPE TEAM GETS SICK,
WILL I HAVE TO DESCEND/LOSE MY SUMMIT OPPORTUNITY?

Safety is the primary consideration on all Mountain Madness trips. For all of our climbs and courses, participants must remember that they are part of a team and that the safety and security of everyone on the team is more important than any one individual reaching the summit. If the entire group is required to get a team member down, they will be called upon to assist the guides and staff. However, we have a high success rate, in part, because we often hire skilled local guides to assist on summit days, decreasing the client to guide ratio. This offers additional safety and increases everyone's chance for success.

 

WHAT IF SOMEONE ON MY TRIP FEELS SICK OR WANTS TO STOP?

During a trek, if someone becomes ill or feels that they do not wish to go any farther, the guides decide whether the person requires an escort for descent (by a local staff or assistant guide) or if he or she can stay put until the group returns. 

 

WILL I BE ABLE TO INTERACT WITH THE LOCALS ON A MOUNTAIN MADNESS TRIP?

Absolutely! Mountain Madness recognizes our trips as physical, scenic, and cultural odysseys into foreign lands, and so we encourage you to interact with the locals. Your Mountain Madness guides are experienced in the proper cultural courtesies and will be able to advise you along the way regarding these considerations. 

 

CAN I GIVE A MOUNTAIN MADNESS TRIP AS A GIFT?

Yes. We can provide you with a gift certificate in any amount. 

 

I WOULD LIKE TO BECOME A GUIDE, WHERE SHOULD I BEGIN?

At a minimum, all of our guides have extensive climbing resumes, hold current Wilderness First Responder certifications, have participated in our Guide Training Program, and hold related university degrees in areas such as cultural anthropology, language, or natural history. If you're interested in becoming a Mountain Madness guide, feel free to send us your resume. If you're interested in beefing up your resume, a great place to begin might be one of our mountaineering courses or summit climbs. 

 

CAN MOUNTAIN MADNESS HELP ME REACH THE HIGHEST PEAKS ON EACH CONTINENT?

Mountain Madness has designed a Seven Summits package that includes the highest peaks on each continent. Whether you have one or seven to go, Mountain Madness can customize a package to help you reach the top of each continent. Call for more details. 

 

I'M INTERESTED IN YOUR SEVEN SUMMITS PROGRAM.
IS THERE A NATURAL PROGRESSION TO ACCOMPLISHING THIS ENDEAVOR?

With less than 75 people having reached the Seven Summits, it remains an elusive, though obtainable goal. From a technical standpoint each climb offers its own, unique challenges. Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Elbrus are great places to embark on this odyssey and represent the less technical climbs of the Seven Summits spectrum. Following Kilimanjaro and Elbrus, a mountaineer typically goes on to climb such greats as Vinson, Aconcagua, Carstensz and Denali. But for most Seven Summiters, Mount Everest is the ultimate achievement, and is obtained only after years of trials and tribulations on lesser mountains. For more information on our Seven Summits Program, please contact us. 

 

RESERVING YOUR TRIP HOW QUICKLY DO THE TRIPS FILL UP?

There is no way to know how quickly our trips are going to fill up. Many of our trips fill up months in advance. So send in your application and a deposit as soon as you have decided which trip date you want. 

 

HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR A TRIP?

You may register by using our online application which is located as a link on each trip page. For custom trips, a generic online application is used, this application can be found under RESOURCES, Trip Application.

For those who would rather mail or fax an application in to us a PDF is available for download.
Please mail or fax to:

Mountain Madness
3018 SW Charlestown St
Seattle, WA 98126
FAX: (206) 937-1772

 

WHAT IS THE DEPOSIT AMOUNT TO HOLD MY SPACE?

$500 for scheduled international trips. An application alone won’t reserve a space. 

 

WHEN DO I NEED TO PAY THE BALANCE OF MY TRIP?

For scheduled international trips, an additional $500 is due 120 days prior to departure. The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. 

 

WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO CANCEL MY TRIP?

If you need to cancel your trip, Mountain Madness must be notified in writing. Your trip will be cancelled from the date we receive written notice. You will be assessed a cancellation fee according to the following schedule:

  • More than 120 days from trip departure: $200
  • 120 to 60 days from trip departure: $500
  • 59 to 30 days from trip departure: 50% of trip cost
  • Less than 30 days from trip departure: 100% of trip cost 

 

WHAT HAPPENS IF MOUNTAIN MADNESS HAS TO CANCEL MY TRIP?

If Mountain Madness cancels a trip due to insufficient sign ups, you will receive a full refund. 

 

DO I NEED TO PURCHASE TRIP INSURANCE OR EVACUATION INSURANCE?

Mountain Madness highly recommends the purchasing of trip cancellation, travel insurance and medical evacuation policies. Once we have received your application and have confirmed your spot on a trip, we will send you information about the various types of insurance and insurance companies we would recommend. 

 

ARE THE PHOTOS FROM YOUR PHOTO GALLERY
AND THE INTERNATIONAL BROCHURE AVAILABLE FOR SALE?

Yes. If you are interested in purchasing any of the photos Mountain Madness displays in the photo gallery or the international brochure, please contact Mark Gunlogson at 800-328-5925 or via email at markg@mountainmadness.com 

 

 

Domestic

 

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE COST OF MY SCHEDULED COURSE OR CLIMB*?

  • For summit climbs and custom trips, all meals while on the mountain. Guides do the cooking! Note: courses do not include meals.
  • Transportation from Seattle to the trailhead and back (except on "custom" trips and as otherwise stated).
  • Professional guiding and instruction.
  • Expedition-proven tents.
  • Stoves, fuel, and cooking equipment for summit climbs and customs. Not included for courses.
  • Group climbing gear.
  • Campground fees as scheduled.

 

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE COST OF MY COURSE OR CLIMB?

  • For domestic courses, food, stoves, fuel and cook gear not included.
  • Airfare and to, and transportation within, Seattle.
  • Hotel accommodations.
  • Restaurant meals.
  • Guide gratuities.
  • Personal climbing equipment.
  • Unscheduled campground fees

* All prices subject to change.

 

HOW QUICKLY DO THE TRIPS FILL UP?

There is no way to know how quickly our trips are going to fill up. We suggest you send in your application and deposit as soon as you have decided which trip date you want to join.

 

HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR A TRIP?

You may register by using our online application which is located as a link on each trip page. For custom trips, a generic online application is used, this application can be found under RESOURCES, Trip Application.

For those who would rather mail or fax an application in to us a PDF is available for download.
Please mail or fax to:

Mountain Madness
3018 SW Charlestown St
Seattle, WA 98126
FAX: (206) 937-1772

 

WHAT IS THE DEPOSIT AMOUNT TO HOLD MY SPACE?
Please refer to our trip application for specific deposits for each trip - domestic, international, Everest, Denali, etc.

 

WHEN DO I NEED TO PAY THE BALANCE OF MY TRIP?
For scheduled courses and climbs, the balance is due 30 days prior to departure.

 

WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO CANCEL MY TRIP?
If you need to cancel your trip, Mountain Madness must be notified in writing. When we receive written notice, you will be assessed a cancellation fee documented in the payment schedule of your trip application based on when you cancel.

 

WHAT HAPPENS IF I WANT TO CHANGE THE DATES OF MY TRIP?
All date changes must be received in writing along with a new application. There will be a fee of $100 for domestic date changes. Date change can be difficult to accommodate and may be subject to additional charges as assessed by Mountain Madness or subject to cancellation policy as outlined. Date changes, if possible, are for credit only (no refunds) and valid for one year from your written notification.

 

WHAT HAPPENS IF MOUNTAIN MADNESS HAS TO CANCEL MY TRIP?
If Mountain Madness cancels a trip due to insufficient sign ups, or other reasons beyond our control, you will receive a full refund for the value of the trip. However, refunds for expenses incurred by particpant, such as airfare, are not possible. For this reason, we strongly suggest participants consider purchase of trip cancellation insurance – see below.

 

DO I NEED TO PURCHASE TRIP INSURANCE?
We highly recommend trip cancellation and travel insurance. It provides coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, travel delays, loss of baggage and travel documents, baggage delays, medical expenses and emergency assistance. We suggest Travel Guard International at www.TravelGuard.com. There are many companies to choose from, so you may wish to do some research to find a policy that’s right for you.

 

WHEN SHOULD I PLAN TO LEAVE AND RETURN HOME?
Our Northwest trips (except Alaska) begin at 6:30 a.m. in Seattle on the first date of your trip, so you will want to arrive the day before your climb or course begins. Due to the nature of mountaineering, our return time to Seattle is often unpredictable, so we suggest reserving a hotel for the night of the last day of the trip.

 

WHAT IF I WANT TO ARRIVE EARLIER OR DEPART LATER THAN THE TRIP DATES?
No problem. There is a lot to do in the Seattle area and we would be happy to recommend our favorite attractions, restaurants, and day trips.

 

WHERE SHOULD I STAY IN SEATTLE?
For our Northwest trips, we recommend the Holiday Inn Express, near downtown Seattle, which is our pick-up and departure point. For reservations, you can contact them directly at (206) 674-6261. Let them know that you are climbing with Mountain Madness for our special group rate. You may also choose to stay at the Pan Pacific Seattle, also located downtown. They can be reached at (206) 264-8111. A complete list of other Seattle hotels is included with your trip confirmation.

 

HOW DO I GET TO WHERE I NEED TO BE?
For our Northwest courses and climbs, you should fly to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. You are responsible for transportation to downtown Seattle. The Sound Transit light rail takes you from the airport to downtown Seattle for a cheap fare. Your guide(s) will meet you at the Holiday Inn Express, our pick-up point, at 6:30 a.m. the first day of your trip. We will also make stop at the retailer Second Ascent for a gear check and equipment rentals. Your confirmation package will include all of the specific hotel and transportation information.

ARE MY SERVICES DIFFERENT ON A CUSTOM TRIP THAN ON A REGULARLY SCHEDULED TRIP?
Yes. The costs for a private trip include professional guiding services, tents, and mountain food only. Transportation and personal equipment is not included in the trip cost. View our Domestic Custom Trips page for more information.

 

WHO WILL MY GUIDE(S) BE?
All of our guides are highly skilled professionals who have been selected based on their technical proficiency, patient and supportive teaching styles, and great personalities. At a minimum, all of our guides working in the Casades have been Wilderness First Responder certified and are proficient in technical rescue and evacuation skills. Many hold full certification with the American Mountain Guides Association, the highest, recognized training available. Our guides are dedicated to the world of alpinism, many have logged first ascents and successful summits on major peaks from the Cascades to Mount Everest. Many Mountain Madness guides have educational backgrounds in fields such as natural history and cultural anthropology that can enhance your overall experience.

 

HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP MY GUIDES?
Mountain guiding is a service profession. Tipping is an important part of a guide’s income. As in Europe, tipping your guides to recognize a job well done is standard. The amount of the gratuity depends on your level of satisfaction with the course or climb. Generally, a minimum of $15-25/day for the lead guide and $10-15/day for the assistant are standard.

 

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
A complete clothing and equipment list specific to your trip will be sent to you in a pre-departure packet upon registration. Every year we review our lists and assess feedback from our clients and guides for updating these lists, thus giving you the most complete and up-to-date guidelines. Every list will come with a description of each item. Call us if you have questions or need help locating any of the items on the list. It is extremely important that you adhere strictly to the equipment list.

 

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT FOR A COURSE OR CLIMB?
Prior to departing on your trip, your guide or office staff will give you a call to discuss the particulars of your trip. That’s the time to review your equipment and get their input. Before purchasing any equipment, you are welcome to call Second Ascent at (206) 545 -8810 and ask for ideas. Gearing up can be a challenge and they are happy to help.

 

CAN I RENT EQUIPMENT FROM MOUNTAIN MADNESS?
Yes, we have double plastic mountaineering boots, crampons, ice axes, harnesses, packs, gaiters, sleeping bags, helmets, and trekking poles. Quantities are limited during peak season, so please contact us as soon as possible if you are interested.

 

HOW HEAVY WILL MY PACK BE?
On North Cascades trips you will be required to carry a portion of the group gear and food, in addition to your gear. Try to keep your pack weight below 40 pounds, leaving enough extra space to pack the group gear and food.

 

IS IT POSSIBLE FOR ME TO STORE EXTRA GEAR AND CLOTHING THAT I WILL NOT NEED?
In most cases, yes. There will be the option of storing extra gear and clothing at your hotel. There may be a small charge, but typically it’s free. You will also be able to leave a change of clothes in our vehicle at the trailhead.

 

WHAT KIND OF FOOD WILL THERE BE ON MY TRIP?
Our guides pride themselves in preparing amazing mountain cuisine. Our many years of mountain travel have provided us with well-tested and nutritious meal plans. Meals will consist of pastas, rice, soups, fresh and dehydrated foods. Be sure to bring along your favorite munchies, energy food, and after dinner treats. If you have specific allergies or preferences, please note that on your application and your guide(s) will provide meals accordingly.

 

WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE ON MY TRIP?
The North Cascades generate and attract their own weather, making conditions impossible to predict. Typically June, July, August, and September have the best weather, but adverse weather can happen any time. You should be prepared for a wide range of temperatures, from freezing nights and snowy and windy conditions, to bright sunshine intensified by high altitude. These fluctuations make it especially important to bring everything on the equipment list. Your guides will make decisions regarding the trip itinerary based on current weather and route conditions. Mountain Madness guides make every effort to follow our trip itineraries, but the decision to amend an itinerary is always at the discretion of your guide. If you are unable to reach a summit because of weather, or any other reason, Mountain Madness will be unable to provide a refund.

 

ARE MOUNTAIN MADNESS TRIPS RATED FOR THEIR LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY?

 Yes. Here’s how we rate our trips:

  • Beginner - no previous mountaineering skills required.
  • Advanced Beginner - basic mountaineering skills recommended including self-arrest, cramponing, ice axe use, rope and glacier travel experience.
  • Intermediate - basic mountaineering skills recommended in addition to experience on technical terrain consisting of 40-50 degree snow/ice slopes.
  • Advanced Intermediate - intermediate mountaineering skills recommended and proven experience on technical terrain and high altitudes to 20,000 feet.
  • Advanced - intermediate/advanced mountaineering skills recommended in addition to experience on technical terrain, including rock and ice climbing and ascents over 20,000 feet.

 

HOW PHYSICALLY FIT DO I HAVE TO BE?
All of our courses and climbs are physically demanding, and your ability to enjoy your trip depends on your overall health and fitness. Your trip will be more rewarding for yourself and others if you prepare for it by conditioning properly.

The best form of training simulates the activity you are training for and increases the level of exertion as the routine becomes easier. For example, walking up hills and stair climbing are excellent ways to condition your lower body and your heart and lungs for climbing. Begin slowly, without the weight of a pack, and eventually add weight at the same time you increase your training pace. When you’re ready, begin taking longer hikes several times a week with a weighted pack. We suggest that you use containers of water for uphill hikes and empty the contents for the descent to reduce knee stress.

Supplement these workouts with running, swimming, bicycling, or other forms of aerobic activity. Additionally, we recommend that you incorporate a weight lifting regime into your training program to build upper-body strength. Begin your daily training several months prior to your trip. If you would like to set up your own personal training program, we suggest you visit BodyResults.com. They design training program, specific to mountaineering and trekking. The Body Results staff will get you on the right track with online training and personal advice done remotely. They also offer a variety of books and dvd's to match your needs.

 

WHAT IF SOMEONE ON MY ROPE TEAM GETS SICK WILL I LOSE MY SUMMIT OPPORTUNITY?
Participants must remember that they are part of a team and that the security of a team member is the highest priority. In the unlikely event that the entire group is required to get a team member down, they will be called upon to assist the guides.

 

DOES MOUNTAIN MADNESS OFFER FAMILY TRIPS?
Yes. See Family Trips page and or call our office for details, 1-800-328-5925.

 

I'D LIKE TO TRAVEL WITH MY SON/DAUGHTER. IS THERE A MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENT?
We accept participants 15 years or older on our regularly scheduled trips if they are accompanied by a legal guardian. You must be 18 years or older to participate in a Mountain Madness trip on your own.